CA mulling more T20 games after record crowd at ANZ stadium

Sydney: Cricket Australia on Wednesday said it was forced to consider if it should host more Twenty20 games than ODIs after an 84-year-old record was shattered in terms of crowd presence during the first T20 International against India on Wednesday.

A record 59,659 fans turned up to witness the first T20 game between India and Australia at the Stadium Australia, also known as ANZ Stadium.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said demand for T20 cricket warranted a review of Australia`s international calendar.

The eight-team Big Bash League has also attracted more than 550,000 fans and doubled pay-TV ratings.

"Twenty20 cricket has never been more popular in Australia. I`m a little bit troubled by the fact we play a two-match Twenty 20 series. It doesn`t quite make sense," Sutherland said.

"I`d like to think that down the track we could change that. It`s something that we`ll certainly look at. We`re not looking to play more international cricket so there will be a reduction in other forms and that won`t be Tests."

Sutherland was enthusiastic about ANZ Stadium`s debut as an international cricket venue and its potential for the 2015 World Cup.

"It`s a good sign. The opportunity is there for 2015 where we`re going to have a lot of cricket matches here in Australia and we want the biggest and the best venues," he said.

"The reality is that outside of the MCG there is no other ground that holds this many people. The opportunity for access to fans is second only to the MCG and Sydney is the biggest city in Australia."